The 2022 MLS Golden Boot presented by Audi race has reached its final chapter, with a winner set to be crowned on Decision Day (Oct. 9).
Here’s how the final push is taking shape, and it’s looking like a two-horse race between presumed frontrunners for the 2022 Landon Donovan MLS MVP award.
A quick reminder: Assists is the main tiebreaker, a factor that handed NYCFC’s Taty Castellanos the Golden Boot in 2021 over D.C. United’s Ola Kamara.
Top 5 candidates
- Production: 23g, 11a
- Remaining games: Oct. 9 at LAFC
Mukhtar has directly contributed to 67% of Nashville SC’s goals as they've earned a third straight Audi MLS Cup Playoffs appearance since joining the league. Heading into the September international break, Mukhtar had scored seven goals in their last four games.
- Production: 21g, 7a
- Remaining games: Oct. 9 vs. COL
- Production: 19g, 9a
- Remaining games: Oct. 9 vs. TOR
Gazdag scored in all but two of Philadelphia’s last 12 games at one point this summer, a driving force alongside two Designated Player strikers in Mikael Uhre and Julian Carranza. The Hungarian international has thrived in his No. 10 role, fueling a close-but-no-cigar Supporters’ Shield push.
- Production: 18g, 5a
- Remaining games: Oct. 9 vs. SKC
It’s been a career year for Ferreira, who placed first on this year’s 22 Under 22 presented by BODYARMOR list and is on track to reach the 2022 World Cup with the US men’s national team. Ferreira’s 18 goals equal the total he reached over the previous five seasons combined, reaffirming the Young Designated Player deal the homegrown forward received in the offseason.
- Production: 17g, 2a
- Remaining games: Oct. 9 at HOU
Chicharito has reached back-to-back 17-goal seasons for the Galaxy, who are back in the postseason after missing out during Mexico’s all-time leading scorer’s first two seasons in California. With three missed penalty kicks this season, Chicharito could be even higher in the Golden Boot hunt with more efficiency from the spot.
- Production: 17g, 5a
- Remaining games: Oct. 9 at DC
Vazquez has enjoyed a breakout year as Cincy near a first-ever playoff appearance during their fourth MLS season, joined by strike partner Brenner and attacking midfielder Luciano Acosta as spearheads for a high-octane offense. Whether it's with the USMNT or Mexico, perhaps his senior international career soon gets underway.
